We’ve highlighted a few of the most useful book marketing Tweets from the past week, from bloggers, marketers, authors and others. The topics include components of an author platform, questions to ask before writing your book, basic book cover design know-how, key research sites to utilize and much more. Best of luck with your marketing efforts!

* 5 Easy Ways to Liven Up Your Facebook Stream

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Ever feel like you don’t know what to do with your Facebook Page? These ideas will keep you generating fresh content:

http://www.openforum.com/articles/5-easy-ways-to-liven-up-your-facebook-stream

* 10 Questions to Ask Before Writing Your Book

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Writing a book is hard work; promoting your book is an even bigger challenge. So, answer these questions before you begin:

http://www.sellingbooks.com/10-questions-to-ask-before-writing-your-book/

* 6 Key Components of an Online Author Platform

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The word “platform” can generate blank stares, but this overview will clarify what a platform is and what it involves:

http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2011/05/25/6KeyComponentsOfAnOnlineAuthorPlatform.aspx

* Tools to Promote Your Author Blog

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You might not be familiar with these tools but they can be very useful for your promotional efforts:

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/tools-to-promote-your-author-blog_b31338

* Publishing Insiders Wrap-Up: What Authors Must Know About Book Cover Design

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Learn the ins and outs of book cover design from Jeniffer Thompson of Monkey C Media:

http://amarketingexpert.com/publishing-insiders-wrap-up-what-authors-must-know-about-book-cover-design/

* 7 Traffic Stats You Should Know About Your Blog or Website

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Discover the basic information you should review to know how many people visit your site and why the numbers matter:

http://blog.marketingtipsforauthors.com/2011/06/7-traffic-stats-you-should-know-about.html

* 5 Key Research Sites You May Have Missed

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Sure, Google is a useful tool but did you know there are others? Learn about some additional research options:

http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2011/05/10/5KeyResearchSitesYouMayHaveMissedPlusCoolTricks.aspx

* 6 Reasons You Need to Publish Ebooks

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Profits, competitive advantage, market testing, speed… for these and other reasons publishing ebooks is a smart decision:

http://bookmarketingmaven.typepad.com/book_marketing_maven/2011/06/6-reasons-why-you-need-to-publish-ebooks.html